AB1117 THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE IN INDIVIDUALS WITH KNEE PAIN, A HALLOA STUDY
Authors: E. Sunesson, C. Sylwander, E. Haglund, M. Andersson, I. Larsson
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2022)

Background Covid-19 has affected everyday life, health and lifestyle among the general population and vulnerable groups. Individuals with knee pain are recommended an active lifestyle to reveal pain but find it difficult to maintain health and lifestyle compared to the general population due to the cause of chronic pain, impaired physical function and a diminishes quality of life. This adds to the importance of exploring how to preserve health and lifestyle among individuals with knee pain during the pandemic. Objectives The aim of this study was to explore the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on the health and lifestyle in individuals with knee pain. Methods Nineteen participants with current knee pain, and with no earlier diagnosed radiographic osteoarthritis, and no rheumatologic disorder or cruciate ligament injury, were recruited from The Halland Osteoarthritis (HALLOA) Cohort Study, twelve female and seven males, between 41-62 (median 51) years of age. Data were collected through individual interviews with open-ended questions: “What impact have you experienced with your health and lifestyle during covid-19?”, and “What activities or strategies have you changed to maintain your health and lifestyle during covid-19? ”. Qualitative content analysis was used, where two categories and five sub-categories emerged (Table 1). Table 1. Categories, and sub-categories exploring the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on health and lifestyle in individuals with knee pain Categories Sub-categories Adjusting behaviours due to covid-19 Spending time at home Becoming digitally Spending time outdoors Valuing life due to covid-19 Having a positive outlook on life Sharing responsibility Results The result from this study explored how behaviour and attitude towards valuing life have been adjusted to maintain health and lifestyle among individuals with knee pain during covid-19. The category adjusted behaviours emerged with the sub-categories: spending more time at home, becoming digitally, and spending more time outdoors. These sub-categories determine how a more reclusive behaviour have appeared due to the pandemic, where digital platforms and outdoor activities have facilitated companionship and togetherness when feelings of loneliness and isolation were present. The category valuing life emerged with the sub-categories: having a positive outlook of life and sharing responsibility. These sub-categories establish the importance of trying to be grateful for maintaining health and lifestyle and trying to be solution-oriented to find the best possible outcomes to continue with everyday life, despite the pandemic. While having a responsibility towards others arose as a facility to manage to keep social distance during the pandemic. Conclusion In conclusion, the behaviour was adjusted to continue with everyday life and maintain health and lifestyle among individuals with knee pain during covid-19. Valuing life was also considered important to maintain health and lifestyle as well as supporting others maintain their health and lifestyle. The result may in the future contribute to alternative ways of maintaining health and lifestyle in different vulnerable groups and may be used in situations other than the pandemic. Disclosure of Interests None declared